Wakulla has a trio in 2012

Chris Nee | Recruiting Analyst

CRAWFORDVILLE, Fla. - Back in the 2008 class, Crawfordville (Fla.) Wakulla had a dynamic duo of linebacker Nigel Bradham and safety C.J. Holton. After courting numerous schools, the pair decided upon Florida State and Miami, respectively.

In 2012, Wakulla head coach Scott Klees and his staff believe they may have their best haul since that duo. It comes in the form of a trio, running back Will Thomas, cornerback Marshane Godbolt, and cornerback Deonte Hutchinson. The trio are all without offers at this point, but a number of Division I schools are keeping close tabs.

Hutchinson remembers the days of Bradham and Holton at Wakulla High School, and the college presence they brought with themselves.

"They made some big shoes that we are trying to fit into but I think we can fit them," Hutchinson said. "They were my role models coming up. It was a lot going on when they were here. It was exciting seeing them come out and playing hard every Friday night. They set a high standard and we are just trying to get it back to where it was for them."

Godbolt believes that he, as well as his two teammates, can chart a similar course to their predecessors.

"It means a lot," Godbolt said. "To come out of here and go onto that next level, it is big for us and for other people. We are just trying to do something special."

While Godbolt has adequate size, standing at 5-foot-11, 170-pounds, his teammates are both undersized with Thomas checking in at 5-foot-9, 170-pounds and Hutchinson at 5-foot-9, 160-pounds. Thomas and Hutchinson know that is an obstacle they must overcome but he believes their play on the field will prove their worth.

"We are all small, but we are trying to show we can do a lot," Thomas said. "We are just trying to show that we can play."

Schools have taken notice. The trio all share interest from Arkansas, Kentucky, Connecticut, and Jacksonville State. In Thomas' case, he is also hearing from Florida Atlantic.

"I spoke with the running backs coach at FAU," Thomas said. "He just said he liked what he saw on my tape. He told me he wants to get me down there to visit and for a camp. He said he wants to work me out some."

Thomas said he has researched each of the interested schools, but that his decision is largely going to come down to location.

"Basically any offense is good for me," Thomas said. "I just want to find somewhere close to home. I don't want to be far from family."

An additional school showing interest in Godbolt is Harding. He believes the Bisons are close to offering.

"Harding has told me they are very interested in me," Godbolt said. "I think they are very close to offering."

For Godbolt, he wants a place that has the right academic feel for him.

"I am looking heavy at academics," Godbolt said. "I want a school that will help you out a lot. I want to major in business management."

Hutchinson, who is hearing from Florida International, Middle Tennessee, and Florida A&M as well, said that he isn't in a rush to make any decisions. At this time the only school visit he has schedule is on April 9th when he, along with Thomas and Godbolt, plans to see Jacksonville State.

"They just want us to come up there and check out there campus because they are really interested in us," Hutchinson said of the Gamecocks. "Playing together is something that would be interesting, but I think we all have to do what is best for ourselves."

Before the trio worries about college, they are hoping to help Wakulla to a special season in 2011.

"I think we have really good potential to do something big next year," Godbolt said.

The trio, along with numerous other teammates, will participate in the Nike Football Training Camp to be held at Florida State on April 17th.